Race of the Day / Timeform / 20 April 2011 /

The likely favourite Taqleed is now a non-runner, but this still looks a competitive renewal of this historic handicap...

Tartan Gigha was game when winning twice at around 9f last year. He returned to his best when finding only Lowther too good on the AW last month and his excellent course record makes it easy to forgive a modest effort last month.

Sirvino was one of the most progressive handicappers of 2009 and gowas back in top form at the end of last season when just as good at 1½ m as 1¼m. He is versatile as regards ground and has won first time out before too.

Beachfire has won four of his five starts, picking up well to prevail in 1¼m handicaps at Sandown and Goodwood for his last two wins. He still has potential but his quirks were increasingly in evidence last year and he's now in first-time blinkers.

Spanish Duke has won four his last nine starts, improving markedly when taking an easy-ground handicap at Newmarket in August. He was still in form at the end of the year (had the draw as an excuse when last seen) and returns off a fair mark.

Resurge thrived at the end of 2010, winning two of his last five starts, both at Epsom in decent style. He comes back off a career-hihgh mark in a better race, and his record first time out means it's best to look elsewhere.

Shavansky won at Nottingham out last year and ran more good races than bad ones after, shaping like a non-stayer in the November Handicap on his final start in 2010. He has won first time out in each of the last two years and is weighted for a bold show.

Ingleby Spirit rounded off 2010 with a win in a Windsor handicap over this trip but produced and even better performance following up in a similar event at Pontefract on his comeback after dictating the pace. He has more on here after a 7 lb rise.

Opera Gal made up into a useful performer last year, splitting wins in a Warwick maiden at Chester handicap (made all) with three solid placed efforts. She could well have improved further over the winter.

King Olav was better than ever when winning a minor event over 1½m at Kempton (fourth win there) in February. He seemed to run well in a four-runner event at Lingfield last time but this is a whole lot tougher.

Sand Skier is a consisten sort who the made the frame on seven of his nine starts in handicaps last year. He was below form in a lady riders' race at Deauville on his comeback but should be in the mix here with Dettori in the saddle.

Georgebernardshaw is a quirky gelding who got his own way in front when winning at Kempton last month but looks flattered overall by that and has a very stiff task here if that is truly the case.

Gaily Noble won twice over 1m on the AW at Lingfield last year and was well beaten on his only try beyond nine furlongs. He ran poorly over a trip that stretched him at Kempton on his return and has a bit to prove in a better race.

Ramona chase is a moody type who ended a lengthy losing run over C&D in September (goes well here). He can spoil his chance with slow starts and has no room for error at this level, but a prominent showing wouldn't surprise.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Tartan Gigha
2. Ramona Chase
3. Opera Gal

Timeform View: In the absence of Taqleed this tightly knit event could go the way of course specialist Tartan Gigha, with fellow Epsom regular Ramona Chase following him home. The filly Opera Gal is another to consider.

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